The Golden Rule
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12). This verse, often called the "Golden Rule," is perhaps one of the most quoted in the Bible. Unfortunately, men have often corrupted this verse. You’ve often heard someone say something to the effect of "Do unto others before they do unto you," or "Do unto others as they do unto you." But what exactly is included in the Golden Rule? First, the Golden Rule is a comprehensive rule. Notice Jesus’ words, "All things whatsoever." If there is anything we would that men should do to us, we are to do to them. If you were lost, wouldn’t you want someone to tell you? Of course, you would! But Jesus’ teaching is not limited to areas of religion. It includes all areas of life, including such simple traits as being polite, kind, fair, honest, and courteous in our dealings with others. Second, the Golden Rule is an introspective rule. Notice the words, "All things whatsoever ye would." Practicing the Golden Rule as we ought requires that we examine our own hearts. It requires that we examine of our standard of right and wrong as well as our own system of morals and values. Third, the Golden Rule is a universal rule. Notice the words, "Whatsoever ye would that men." The word men is here translated from the Greek word anthropos (from which we get our English word anthropology. It does not refer to the male gender, but rather to all persons whether they be male or female, friend or enemy, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, black or white, etc. Therefore, I know I am to practice the Golden Rule without partiality. Fourth, the Golden Rule is an active rule. Notice Jesus’ words, "Do ye even so to them." Jesus is not teaching that we ought to merely feel sympathetic toward others (although this is important). The Golden Rule deals with our behavior, our actions toward others. Notice the words of James: If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" (James 2:15-16). Rod Halliburton
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